Compare & book Mini cruises(537)
What are mini cruises?
Mini cruises are short sailings, usually four nights or less. They’re often round-trip and call at just one or two ports. In some cases, they don’t visit any destinations at all, giving guests the chance to simply enjoy being at sea.
They’re sometimes referred to as taster cruises because they offer first-time cruisers an easy way to dip their toe in and see if cruising suits them. That said, mini cruises have a much wider appeal. Beyond newcomers, they’re an excellent option for anyone looking for a short, stress-free break.
What are the best cruise lines for mini cruises?
A wide selection of ocean and river lines offer mini cruises, making it easy to find a sailing that fits what you’re looking for.
Families seeking good-value breaks at sea may gravitate towards P&O Cruises, Royal Caribbean International or MSC Cruises, which deliver wallet-friendly sailings on ships with kids’ clubs and a range of amenities suitable for all ages.
Grown-ups travelling without little ones in tow, meanwhile, may opt for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ adults-only mini cruises.
For those after a taste of luxury, Cunard is another strong option. It has welcomed the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra and offers weekends away full of old-school glamour. Or for understated refinement, Windstar Cruises runs mini cruises aboard its casually luxurious, yacht-like ships, which are ideally sized to reach lesser-sailed ports.
Alternatively, if you’re keen to try river cruising, Riviera Travel has a collection designed for first-timers, including excellent options for solo travellers.
What are the best mini cruise destinations?
You’ll find an excellent selection of no-fly mini cruises that depart directly from UK ports, such as Southampton, Portsmouth, Newcastle, Tilbury (London), Liverpool, Rosyth (Edinburgh) and Belfast. From there, a surprising number of destinations are within easy reach.
There are plenty of appealing places to visit right here in the UK, such as Holyhead in Wales, Invergordon in the Scottish Highlands and Orkney, which beckons with long summer days.
Ireland also frequently features on itineraries, particularly Dublin and Cork, both wonderfully walkable and rich in literary history.
Norway is another enticing option, with short fjord sailings and the lure of the midnight sun, meaning it ranks high on many travellers’ wish lists. The Channel Islands have much to offer too, as does northern France, where Norman cities, draughts of cider and windswept beaches await.
Other popular choices on the continent include Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Hamburg in Germany and Bruges (from Zeebrugge) in Belgium. Or, if you’re willing to take a short flight or rail journey, mini river cruises on the Seine or Rhine are well worth considering.
Cruises from/to Belfast
Amsterdam cruises
Paris cruises
Honfleur cruises
Cruises from/to Dublin
Cruises from Edinburgh 2025, 2026, 2027
Antwerp cruises
Cologne cruises
Cruises from Liverpool 2025, 2026 & 2027
Cruises from Dundee
Rotterdam cruises
Cruises from Dover 2025-2026
Cruises from/to Cherbourg
Kirkwall Cruises
Cruises from/to Glasgow
Cruises from/to Cobh Cork
Seine River cruises
Rhine River cruises
Dutch Waterways cruises
Norwegian Fjords Cruises
FAQS
Who are mini cruises well suited to?
Mini cruises are a strong choice for first-timers looking to test the waters, but they’re also great for anyone short on time or annual leave seeking a stress-free escape.
Families frequently find they’re a convenient getaway – crucially, one that allows parents to enjoy some well-deserved downtime, too, while their little ones make the most of onboard kids’ clubs.
Mini sailings can also work well for couples, with scenic sailing, idyllic coastal locations and date-night entertainment making for a romantic weekend away.
If you like the sound of solo travel but find it daunting, taster cruises can also ease you in, particularly if you select a smaller, more approachable ship.
How much money do mini cruises cost?
While factors like the cruise line you select and the time of year can significantly impact the price of a mini cruise, they are frequently competitively priced.
You can find a wide selection of choices for between £200 and £500, particularly if you make the most of early booking promotions or last-minute deals. When you can factor in everything that is bundled into the fare – including accommodation, full board and entertainment – they can be considerably better value than land-based mini breaks.
Of course, if you select a luxury cruise line, a higher category of suite and extra perks like drinks packages, prices can climb upwards of £2,000.
What’s included on a mini cruise?
This varies based on the cruise line you select, but typically the following are included as a minimum: your stateroom, towels, basic toiletries, access to onboard amenities, entertainment and full board, excluding alcoholic drinks.
Beyond that, some cruise lines offer mini cruises with more generous inclusions, such as drinks packages, while others operate on a more à la carte basis, so you opt in for the extras that appeal to you most.
Do I have to fly to take a mini cruise?
No, absolutely not. There are fly-cruise options, but you’ll find a wide range of mini cruises that sail directly from UK ports, including Southampton, Portsmouth, Tilbury (London), Liverpool, Newcastle, Rosyth (Edinburgh) and Belfast.
From there, you can reach destinations across Britain, Ireland, France, Norway, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, all without stepping foot in an airport.
When is the best time for a mini cruise?
You can find mini cruises all year long, so it really depends on the kind of holiday you’re looking for. November and December are popular for visiting Christmas Markets in Germany or Belgium, while springtime brings tulips of every imaginable shade to Amsterdam.
Summer, meanwhile, can mean enjoying almost endless days in Shetland or Norway, as well as pleasant, sunny beaches in destinations like the Channel Islands. Autumn is also ideal, both for city breaks and visiting destinations like Normandy, where cider season is in full swing.
As well as considering seasonality, several cruise lines, such as Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and Ambassador Cruise Line, design itineraries to align with UK bank holidays so you can make the most of your annual leave.
A selection of mini cruises are similarly designed to coincide with half term, meaning the whole family can enjoy a getaway.
